The details of why Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze was arrested are as yet not known. Conspiracy, criminal intimidation, negligent conduct are some of the charges brought forth by the NIA against him.
One of the original group of Mumbais ace sharpshooters, alongside ‘encounter specialists’ Pradeep Sharma and Daya Naik, Sachin Vaze retuned to the force after a 16-year hiatus and was leading the investigation conducted by the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) into the bomb scare outside Mukesh Ambani’s residence.
Questions raised by Opposition Leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis put Mr. Vaze in the center of the probe into the event, for different reasons.
Mr. Fadnavis, reading out call data records in the Assembly, alleged that Mr. Vaze had been in frequent touch with Mansukh Hiren, a Thane businessman, in whose name the car parked outside the Ambani residence, was registered. Mr. Hiren had reported the car stolen days before the incident.
Mr. Hiren’s body was found floating in Kalwa Creek on March 5, adding to the mystery of the case. His wife alleges the car had been with Mr. Vaze for several months leading up to the incident.
Mr. Vaze, earlier suspended in 2004 over his role in the custodial death of a 2002 Ghatkopar blast accused, has been placed under suspension, after being transferred from the CIU, following his arrest. He has been remanded in NIA custody till March 25.